INACTIVATION OF SARS-COV-2 BY ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT IRRADIATION

Pregliasco F. Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by ultraviolet light irradiation. International Journal of Infection. 2021;5(3):103-108

F. Pregliasco^*

IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, University of Milan, 20136 Milan, Italy.

*Correspondence to:
Fabrizio Pregliasco,
IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi,
University of Milan,
20136 Milan, Italy.

ABSTRACT

Ultraviolet (UV) light is categorized based on wavelength and includes long-wave UV light, short-wave UV light, and medium-wave UV light. UV light has the power to inactivate or kill viruses. Short-wave UV light is the most powerful and effective form for destroying viruses and other microorganisms. UV light irradiation has been studied as a method for inactivating SARS-CoV-2, the virus that is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). UV light destroys the virus’s genetic material such as RNA and DNA, rendering it unable to replicate and infect host cells. The nucleic acids of viruses absorb the energy of UV light, causing the formation of pyrimidine dimers in their genetic material, as occurs in respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and other influenza viruses. UV light can significantly reduce the infectiousness of SARS-CoV-2 and can be used to disinfect surfaces contaminated with the virus. Higher intensity doses and longer exposure times result in more effective SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. The use of UV light has been of great help in public health care settings to control the spread of COVID-19. It is clear that UV light is an efficient method for inactivating viruses, but it must be used with care to avoid harm to the skin, eyes, and other body tissues.

KEYWORDS: ultraviolet light, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, DNA, RNA, inactivation, wavelength